ADHD Medication Options For Adults UK
There are two kinds of ADHD medication that are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants boost and balance levels of brain chemicals that control attention and impulsivity.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD are controlled substances that can only be prescribed by a specialist ADHD doctor, not your GP. They are usually given for six weeks before changing or increasing the dosage.
Stimulants
The main treatment is medication for adults suffering from ADHD and the range of medications is greater than when it was first identified as a disease. In the UK and other countries in Europe psychiatrists are able to treat ADHD by offering a wide range of options.
They are usually prescribed as the first method of treatment, and these drugs increase activity in the parts of the brain that regulate motivation, attention and mood. They also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They are available in short-acting and long-acting tablets, also known as immediate release or modified release. They are very effective in treating ADHD symptoms very quickly.
The two most popular stimulants are methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and amphetamines salts (Adderall). adhd medication uk can be instant release or extended release depending on your preference and the severity of symptoms. These are 'controlled' drugs, which means that they are only available on prescription and will need to be closely monitored.
Other medications are also prescribed to treat adults with ADHD. These include Guanfacine (marketed under the names Vyvanse or Concerta) and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs affect various parts of the brain to improve concentration and focus. They can also reduce blood pressure. These are less likely than methylphenidate or amphetamine to cause adverse effects, so they may be beneficial to those who suffer from these.
Other options for treatment include antidepressants and a selection of anti-anxiety medication, but these are usually recommended as a second line option for those who are unable to relieve the symptoms with stimulants or other medications. Psychologists also recommend therapy in conjunction with medication, as it is difficult to alter negative coping mechanisms that have been in place for a long period of time by taking medication.
It is important to remember that taking medication for ADHD can be an individual decision. No psychiatrist should ever make anyone take it. A specialist psychiatrist will adjust the dosages to each patient's needs in order to avoid any serious unwanted side effects. A proper balance between therapy and medication can improve your quality-of-life. But, it's important to consult a psychiatrist prior to taking any medication.
ADHD symptoms must be disruptive, severe and present in multiple areas of daily life to warrant a referral to a clinic for assessment and diagnosis. This includes school, home and work, as well as social life. If you think you or your child might be suffering from ADHD discuss it with your GP and request the referral to an NHS clinic that focuses on the management of neurodiverse conditions like ADHD.
TB declares advisory or consultancy roles with Actelion, Hexal Pharma, Lilly, Medice, Novartis, Otsuka and PCM Scientific Conference support or speaker's fees from Medice, Oxford Outcomes, Otsuka and Shire royalties from Hogrefe and Kohlhammer and grants from Shire and Viforpharma. DC declares personal fees from Shire and Viforpharma and grants from Oxford University Press and Servier; and research collaboration with Medice Otsuka, Medice, and Novartis.